North London Derby Anticipation
In a thrilling prelude to the upcoming North London derby, Thomas Frank, the head coach for Tottenham, has braced his team for what he describes as a “madhouse” atmosphere when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday. This encounter marks a pivotal challenge for Spurs who have struggled historically, achieving just one Premier League victory at this venue since its establishment 19 years ago.
Rivalry and Player Movements
Echoing sentiments of rivalry, Frank cheekily referred to Arsenal’s new signings, David Raya and Christian Nørgaard, as “traitors” after they left Brentford for their arch-rivals. Though Tottenham has faced difficulties in recent derbies, Frank’s previous success against Arsenal — including a memorable 2-0 victory in his Premier League debut — fuels his competitive spirit.
Reflecting on the match’s intense nature, he quipped, “Two of them are now traitors and moved to the wrong club!”
Match Strategy and Set-Pieces
Frank acknowledged that both he and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, might prefer a more controlled game, but he anticipates that the fixture will unavoidably erupt into chaos, providing fans and viewers with a captivating spectacle.
Anticipating a highly competitive match, Frank vowed,
“We will never go for a 0-0. It may end up that way, but our aim is always to win — always.”
Both managers recognize the significance of set-pieces, with Arsenal leading the league on goals scored from corners and free-kicks, netting twelve times this season. Meanwhile, Tottenham has also improved in this area, scoring five since bringing Andreas Georgson on board as set-piece coach. Georgson has collaborated with Frank at Brentford, sharing a similar vision for set-piece strategy with Arsenal’s Nicolas Jover, who was also trained under Frank.
Focus on Tactical Opportunities
In a broader context, Frank noted the growing emphasis across the league on set-pieces, particularly with the increasing use of long throws, highlighting their substantial contribution to team goals. As Spurs prepare for this crucial derby clash, Frank’s focus remains on maximizing opportunities from every aspect of the game — particularly during chaotic moments, which he sees as beneficial for his team’s tactics.
With Tottenham’s players, including Kolo Muani, Bergvall, and Sarr reported fit for the match, Frank hopes to channel this energy into the always-unpredictable North London rivalry, aiming not only for a spirited performance but for a much-needed victory against their local rivals.
